The Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) says mobile services are meaningless if they are not affordable.

USAASA spokesperson, Khulekani Ntshangase, points out that, "To attain the goals of universal access and service to ICT [information and communication technology], the country needs to ensure that prices should be affordable."

Ntshangase’s comment follows the ruling by the outh Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa's proposed new call termination rates were invalid and unlawful.

South Africa's telecoms regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) says it may reconsider planned cuts for 2015 and 2016 in the amount mobile operators charge each other to use their networks.

ICASA spokesperson, Paseka Maleka, points out that, "In this case, we may review 2015 and 2016 mainly in trying to avert a very lengthy legal challenge.”

The Zambian Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health says it is still awaiting correspondence from the Ministry of Justice on the implementation of the Non-Governmental Organisation Act of 2009.

The ministry’s deputy Minister, Jean Kapata, says the response from the Ministry of Justice would determine the fate of all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have rejected to register under the Act.

Kapata says the registration has since closed, adding that the NGOs that are not yet registered will have themselves to blame if deregistered.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) proposed a cut of up to 75 percent over the next three years in the fees mobile phone companies can charge competitors to use their network.

ICASA has released its draft call termination regulations, significantly reducing the cellphone rates of some networks.

In addition, ICASA introduced an asymmetric rates system for smaller operators with a market share of less than 20 percent, which is aimed at promoting investment, encouraging competition and fostering small, medium and micro enterprises.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has overturned the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) chief operating officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s decision not to broadcast the burning of public institutions because it would incite protestors to run amok.

ICASA acting chairperson, Rubben Mohlaloga, points out that the Complaints and Compliance Committee has found the SABC has overstepped its authority and gave it seven days to reverse its decision.

According to Austin Kaluba recently China passed a contentious new law giving police wide-ranging powers over overseas charities and forbidding them from recruiting members or raising funds in the country, prompting an immediate outcry.

In Zambia, there is a range of local and foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focusing on issues related to health, HIV/AIDS, gender, human rights or the environment working in partnerships and coalitions.